Wong (seated centre) speaks at the press conference. Seen from right are Rayong, Lo, Dr Jerip and Ranum. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh is now officially the president of United People’s Party (UPP) after the party’s inaugural triennial delegates conference (TDC) that went well at KTS Garden here yesterday.
Wong, who is Minister of Local Government and Community Development, was supported by newly-minted deputy president Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who is also Assistant Minister for Public Health, and secretary-general George Lo, a lawyer.
Datuk Tiong Thai King and Opar assemblyman Ranum Mina were elected the party’s senior vice-presidents, while UPP also appointed Temenggong Lu Kim Yong and former president of Federation of Kuching-Samarahan Chinese Associations Dr Chou Chii Ming as advisors.
UPP’s official beginning received blessings from the state Barisan Nasional (BN) when Minister of Housing and Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, opened the conference.
More than 1,000 members from across the state attended the conference, which was also attended by Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) deputy president Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie
who is Assistant Minister for Community Services to render support.
Speaking at a news conference after the conference concluded, Wong said the general opinions would agree that the party had organised a successful inaugural TDC.
“And we have also elected the office-bearers of the first central committee. After the TDC, we
will go back to our constituencies and work very hard on the ground.
“We will stay engaged with our people, communicate with them to get the feedback, understand their frustrations and anxieties so as to find ways to deal with them.”
Wong, also Bawang Assan assemblyman, asserted the Chinese community ought to “take stock” of where they wanted to be from their current position.
He said this was the time for them to ponder over the determination and approaches of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who meant business when it came to efficiency and good governance.
“The chief minister is going all out for greater efficiency and good governance. All policies implemented are for everyone and he is a chief minister for all.
“I request the Chinese community to take stock and to rethink where they want to go from here, especially now that we have such a good chief minister.”
To a question, Wong said UPP applied from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to set up 26 branches. As of yesterday, UPP has 24 branches whilst Marudi and Lawas branches are waiting to be formed.
“So far, we have set up 24 branches with a total membership of over 20,000. We plan to set up more branches like Mukah.”
Meanwhile, the TDC also elected seven vice-presidents; namely Datuk Hii King Chiong, Datuk Janet Lau, Datuk Wong King Hoon, Simon Lau, Desmond Cheng, Dr Johnical Rayong and Chang Siaw Ling.
Rayong, who is Engkilili assemblyman, and Chang Siaw Ling are also the Youth chief and Wanita chief respectively.
Peter Hu was made the party’s treasurer, Bruce Chai the organising secretary, Pemanca Liu Thian Leong publicity secretary, Andrew Shiling Banggit training secretary, Ng Chee Wee welfare secretary, Keith Chin Hsuin deputy secretary-general, Datuk Wong Yien Ping deputy secretary-general and Gerald Chang assistant treasurer.
The assistant organising secretaries are Oliver Kuo and Datuk Wong Hieh Hoi while assistant public secretaries are Chan Pang Chan and Sim Tong Poh, assistant training secretaries are Pau Kiew Chuang and Leong Wei Ping and assistant welfare secretaries are Kong Tze Ling and Punjau Bunjo.
UPP also has four assistant secretaries. They are Tan Kay Hock, Toh Jack Kuong, Lau Chai Hing and Lee Sin Fah.